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Boston Convocation

Statement from Voice of the Faithful


We are the Church.

We speak on behalf of a group of committed Catholics from St. John the Evangelist parish in Wellesley. In our pain, outrage and sense of betrayal we came together six weeks ago to speak out about the crisis in our church. Strong feelings of anger, frustration, and love of church moved us to put aside an hour after each Mass on two consecutive weekends to address the pedophilia crisis. Led by parish members, the listening sessions were a powerful indicator of the Faithful's need to be heard individually and as church, and of our need to speak out and to demand accountability and reform. Hundreds of parishioners participated in these sessions and a weekly 90 minute session has been initiated on Monday nights. Our number grows and those from other parishes who need a place to have their voices heard have joined us. We call ourselves Voice of the Faithful. Voice of the Faithful seeks consensus in order to effectively respond to this scandal threatening our Church. We are sadly aware that pedophilia is a problem not only here, but in other cities and countries. The culture of secrecy and abuses of power that produced this crisis must end. The overriding concerns that have emerged from our discussions are: the desire to be fully responsive to the victims of pedophilia and their families and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to preclude future occurrences; to support clergy of integrity tarnished by this scandal; and to seek correction of the institutional structures of the Catholic Church that resulted in a gravely flawed response to this terrible betrayal of children.

We urge other parishes to consider this new model of Spirit-driven dialogue. Our weekly sessions are a model for consensus built on mutual respect, genuine listening and a commitment to act. The gospel of Jesus Christ demands our action in support of the most vulnerable among us. We expect Archdiocesan leadership to hear us today and to provide channels for lasting communication and genuine collaboration.

Today, we raise our voices to claim our place at the table.

We are the Church.

Come join us.

For further information contact our web site at www.VoiceoftheFaithful.org

"...the laity can also be called in various ways to a more direct form of cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy...Consequently, let every opportunity be given them so that, according to their abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate in the saving work of the Church." LG 33

From Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church),Vatican Council II

TALKING POINTS/FAQs

1. WHO ARE WE? A group of Catholics who share a common view -- that this scandal is a tragedy that requires us to be deeply concerned about our church and talk with one another
We call ourselves Voice of the Faithful

2. GOALS To be fully responsive to victims and to prevent future incidents of sexual abuse
To support clergy of integrity
To seek a correction of the institutional structures that resulted in a gravely flawed response to this betrayal of children

3. WHAT DO WE WANT? To share this model of communication and consensus building
To correct the institutional features that support a culture of secrecy
To reclaim our rightful place as Church; our rightful place in the "apostolate of the hierarchy"
To restore our commitment to the reforms of Vatican II

4.WHEN DO WE WANT IT? Now

5.PROCESS

Process began with conversations after each Mass - 2 consecutive weekends
600 + participants Weekly meetings (Monday nights - 90 minutes) Average attendance - 60/70 Newcomers have attended each week - members of other parishes welcomed We discuss our concerns

We have used round table discussion groups to develop themes for future activity

6. WHERE DO WE MEET?

St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall (Philbin Hall) Route 16 & Glen Road, Wellesley, MA


 

 

 

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VOTF™
Mission Statement

To provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church.

 

Our Goals

1. To support survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

2. To support priests of integrity

3.To shape structural change within the Catholic Church.
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Pray Each Day
at Noon

Jesus, Lord and Brother, help us with our faithfulness. Please hear our voice, and let our voice be heard. Amen. More

 

         

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